Bezos Academy funding free preschool in Mesa; expected to open by 2025

MESA, Ariz. - Free preschool is coming to Mesa, courtesy of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. This will be a lottery-based system. It's still a couple of years away, but the best part is that it's free.

Sandra Day O'Connor Elementary School is one of the chosen sites, soon to host preschool classes for free.

It'll be the Bezos Academy first free preschool program in Arizona, held on three campuses: O'Connor Elementary, Charles F. Poston Junior High, and Fremont Junior High School.

It comes at a time when kids have fallen behind in their studies during the pandemic. And the best part is that Bezos Academy is picking up the tab, from hiring training to development and more.

Bezos Academy funding free Mesa preschools

The Bezos Academy, funded by billionaire Jeff Bezos, is partnering with Mesa Public Schools. They plan to open three year-round preschools for kids ages 3 to 5. In order to qualify, a family of four cannot earn more than about $120,000. The schools will be located at Sandra Day O'Connor Elementary School, Charles D. Poster Junior High School, and Fremont Junior High School. The schools are expected to be open in 2025.

"Families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level, or about $120,000 per year for a family of four, with children aged 3-4, are eligible to apply," stated Mesa Public Schools' Director of Communications and Engagement, Jen Snyder. "Updates about the school opening date, and how to apply for the lottery-based selection process will be posted at www.bezosacademy.org."

Preschool classes should be ready in 2025.